MALAYSIANS are being celebrated for coming together to save flood victims, be it by rescuing stranded folks or providing food for those stuck in their homes.

In the midst of this, there were also many migrant workers – largely from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar – who had endangered themselves to save Malaysians during the disaster that affected several states.

They told The Malaysian Insight that, in times like this, it was not important to look at one’s nationality but to just help everyone.

Bangladeshi Imran Mishu, 33, who resides in Dengkil, said that he could not just sit and watch people suffer.

“I could have just saved myself, but hearing them scream for help was what made me jump into the water to save them.

“There was an elderly woman nearby, so I swam to her and made sure she was moved to higher ground,” he said.

He added that he also gathered his friends from around the neighbourhood and told them to save as many lives as they could.

Indonesian Andik, 29, said that he and his friend swam back and forth for 20 minutes to make sure several people in an apartment had food.

“It was really dark, and most of the people here were starving, so I held on to a polystyrene box and swam to get some food.

“I am not sure why the boats weren’t coming to our side on Sunday with food supply,” said Andik who resides in Sri Muda.

Rashid Ullah, 27, of Myanmar, said that he had nothing to lose by risking his life to save the people.

“I do not have a family; hence it did not bother me to risk my life.

“If I just stood there and waited for the rescue team to arrive, I know some of these people may lose their lives,” said Rashid, who resides in Sri Muda.

He had also used a polystyrene box as a float and ensured that the kids, especially, were moved to higher ground.

Meanwhile, many Malaysians also took to social media to praise the brave acts undertaken by the foreigners.

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman tweeted to remind Malaysians to not look down on foreigners as “we may need their help one day”.

He also said the foreigners offered to help without being asked.

Another Twitter user, Danial Fakhri (@dxnixlfxkhri) wrote: “Don’t judge by appearance, a rich heart may be under a poor coat. Usually in crisis they’re the first to respond. They’ll do anything to help others, even when they’re struggling with their own problems. Never look down on them. Be kind to all.”

A flood victim, James Ikatan (@patiqahpott) from Sri Muda, took to Twitter to show how several Myanmar people helped to bring her food.

In a follow up tweet, the user wrote: “Suddenly, two foreigners came back to our balcony and offered us bread and cake.”

Continuous heavy rain resulted in devastating floods last weekend in Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Negri Sembilan.

As of today, there have been 46 deaths and five still missing since the floods.

Pahang logged the greatest number of flood victims at 29,108, followed by Selangor with 23,302 victims. – December 25, 2021.